Railway vehicle spring



NW. 15,1938. D s BARRQWS 2,137,151

RAILWAY VEHICLE SPRING Filed Aug. 12, 1933 5 Sheets-Sheet l NOV. 15, 1938. A ows 2,137,151

RAILWAY VEHICLE SPRING Filed Aug. 12, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Nov. 15, 1938. m a A WS 2,137,151

RAILWAY VEHICLE SPRING Filed Aug. 12, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Zo/V/QOASBAWQFQWS NOV. 15, 1938. s BARRQWS 2,137,151

RAILWAY VEHICLE SPRING Filed Aug. 12, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Nov. 15, 1938. D. B RROWS 2 ,137,151

RAILWAY VEHICLE SPRING Filed Aug. 12, 1932 5 Sheets-sheaf 5 Patented Nov. 15, 1938 UNITE SrATE.

RAILWAY VEHICLE. SPRING Donald S. Barrows, Rochester, N. Y., ,assignor'to f The Symin'gton-Gould Corporatiomflochester N. Y., a corporation of Maryland ApplicationAugust 12, 1932, Serial No'..}628,609

10- associated bolster;

Another object of my invention is' the'provis'ion of a practical and economicalmountingfor spring groupstwhich involve both'he'lical' and'elliptic'or in Figure L partly broken away.

plate springs;

Other objects and advantages of the invention relating to the particular arrangement and con struction of the various parts will become apparent as thedescription proceeds; Referring to the drawings illustrating my invention, the scope whereof is definedLby the appended claimsz V Figure l is a vertical sectional view'on the line l-l of Figure 2, looking in the direction or; the arrows, and showing a: nest of springs embody= ing my invention. Y

' Figure 2 isa plan of the nest of springs shown Figure 3 is a. sectional-view on the line 3--3 of'Figure 2, looking in the direction of the ar rO'WS. Figure 4 is a fragmentary detail sectional view of the inner ed'gejportion of one of the'lower spring plates on the line'3 -3 of Figure 2," 100k? ing in the direction of the arrows; 1 Figure 5 is a vertical sectional view of another embodiment of my invention on the line 15- 5 of Figure 6, looking in the direction of the arrows. Y V

Figure 6 is a fragmentary. plan of. the nest of springs shown in Figure 5. I

Figure '7 is a vertical sectional view on the line 'l-'l of Figure 6, looking in the direction of the arrows. "F"

Figure 8 is an exploded View of the spring plates and fastening means; therefor shown in perspective and used formounting the nest of springs shown in Figures 5, 6 and '7; 4 Figure 9 is a corresponding view of modifie forms of two of the spring plates shown'in Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a vertical sectional view on the line HF-Hi of Figure 11 and showing fied; form of spring nest.

Figure 11 is a plan of the form of spring nest shown in Figure 10.,

a modi- 12 Claims. (01. zen-3) vsupport I of the bolster thereof.

Figure 12 isj'a'n elevational View of'the nest shown in Figures 10 andll, looking in the direction of the long dimension-of the elliptic" spring Figure 13 is 'a vertical sectional view onthe, line l3 i3 of-Figure 14, looking in the direction of the arrows. i Figure 14-is a 'planof the modified nest of springs shownjin Figure 13;with portions broken' away; v. 4 i V.

Figure 15 is -a.vertica1 sectional view onthe line l5-'I5 of -Fi'gure 14,: looking in the 'direc tion of thearrows. 7

Referring to the drawings in detail, like parts being designated by like reference characters, and first considering the embodiment of my in= vention illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, inclusive,

there is shown a nest of springs'l involving an elliptic spring or set of'elliptie springs 2 and a plurality 'ofehelical" or coilsprings 3 mounted between upper spring plates 4 and lower spring plates 5; and-adapted for insertion in the bolster opening of airailway-vehicleside frame for the tion of the type of side frame for which the present embodiment of .my invention is particularly adapted for use.with;'referencesisuhad to the Kadel and Barrows Reissue Patent No. 18,266,

whichwasreissued under vdate of November 24:,

i931 and particularly Figures 4 and 5 thereof which show the nest of springs-mounted in the bolster opening of a double truss side frame or one constructed in' accordance with my. prior Patent No. 1,652,808 of Decemb'er'- 13;.192"7- and formed with diagonallycxtending reinforcing portions I3. It will,.therefore,- be'clear that the nest of springs'here disclosed may be placed in positionina frame such as shown in Figure 4 of said reissue patent, and with the-elliptic spring 2 extending transverse of the frame or longitudirially of the associated'bolster; asin said reissue patent; 1 g

The elliptic spring 2 of the'ypresent embodiinent may beconsidered .ascomprising a-pair of semi-elliptic springs 6 and 1; each of which involves plates 8 held together by spring bands 9 and the extreme ends of eaclrhank of plates resting on endblocks ID, as is usual. In the present embodiment; the fourhelical springs 3 are shownas singlecoil springs,- although I do not wish to be limited to this disclosure. Both the "upperyspring plate 4 and the lower spring plate 5 are substantially H-shaped in plan and each formed of two identical pieces ll disposed on opposite sides ofthe elliptic spring z, Each piecelrmaybe formed flat. of, the desired shape As an i1lustra= and then folded on the center of a rectangular opening which, after folding, provides a wide notch i2 to hold the corresponding spring band 9.

To assemble, the top and bottom half plates are connected together through the two helical springs of the half group, as by means of bolts l3 passing through corresponding apertures M in said plates. In order to allow for movement of the upper plates toward the lower upon compression of the springs'without buckling the associatedbolts, each plate is desirably embossed toward the companion plate, as indicated at l5, so that the bolt used is much shorter than the normal distance between the upper and lower plates, the embossments leaving space to allow for movement of the bolt without buckling upon compression of the springs, as well as providing centering, means or collars for the associated helical springs. In order to provide for interlocking the nest of springs with respect to the side frame and associated bolster, each plate desirably has embossments or nibs l6 adapted to fit in corresponding pockets in the frame, spring plank or bolster and each plate also desirably has a tapering embossment adapting it to nest over the reinforcing corrugation corresponding with that designated by. the reference character l3 of the Reissue Patent No.. 8, 66 previously referred to. Although, of course, such a corrugation I1 is not needed for cooperation with the bolster, yet in order to make theupper and lower plates interchangeable, said plates are desirably correspondingly formed.

To apply the nest of springs to the frame, the helical springs and their plates may be put in place'first and pushed to the side up the double truss incline of the frame. The elliptic spring may then be put in place on the frame, or spring plank if used, and the coil springs and their plates slid down into position. As the notches |2 in the. plates embrace the elliptic spring bands,

their locating plugs or nibs I6 will enter the corresponding holes or pockets in the frame or spring plank.

Referring now to the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figures 5 to 9, inclusive, a spring nest l is there disclosed involving an elliptic spring 2 and four double-coil helical springs 3 a pair of said helical springs being disposed on each side of the elliptic spring, as in the preceding embodiment. The modified form of spring nest disclosed in these figures is particularly adapted for use with a conventional side frame or one not having the double truss reinforcements I3 described in connection with the Reissue Patent No. 18,266 previously referred to.

In the present embodiment, the free height of the elliptic spring 2 is greater than that of the helical springs 3 and the mounting for the nest of springs comprises four plates of three styles. The lower spring platel8, generally H-shaped in plan, is formed with a rectangular opening l9 adapted to position the lower spring band 9 of the elliptic spring 2 and four spring collars 20 adapted to center the inner coils 3 of the helical springs 3 Said lower spring plate is also desirably provided with centering plugs l6 and curved embossments I5 apertured at M as in the preceding embodiment, for receiving the retaining bolts l3? The upper spring plate means involves three plates, that is, an individual helical spring plate 2| for each pair of helical springs on a side of the elliptic spring and an elliptic spring plate 22 formed with a rectangular aperture 23 receiving hicle side frame.

the upper spring band 9 and side portions 24 which straddle the elliptic spring and terminate in normally horizontal apertured portions 25 which underlie the plates 2| and receive the retaining bolts l3 thereof. Like the lower plate IS, the upper plate 22 is desirably formed with centering plugs Hi.

In the present embodiment, the nest is desirably assembled in place on the lower spring plate l8, and theupper elliptic spring plate 22 applied, 0 after which, the bolts l3 may be secured in place, as illustrated. The upper helical plates 2| are applied over the end portions 25 of the plate 22, said plates 2|, of course, being formed with spring collars 20, embossments 26 to corl5 respond with the embossments of the lower spring plate for a similar purpose, although not necessarily similar in size, and notches 21 to interlock with the centering plugs I 6 of the upper plate 22.

The spring plates 2| and 22 shown in Figure 9 correspond with the plates 2| and 22 of Figure 8, except that the centering plugs Ifi are formed on the plates 2| b instead of on the plate 22, and the plate 22 is notched to interlock with 25 said plugs, as indicated at 28. It will also be seen that the embossment l5 of the plate 2| corresponds more nearly with the embossment |5 of the lower plate.

It will be understood that when the nest of springs just described is in place in a side frame and serves for support of a bolster so that the elliptic spring 2 is compressed to a height corresponding with that of the ellipticisprings 3,

the ears 25 of the top retaining plate break con- 35 tact with the under sides of the helical or spectacle plates 2|. Except as specifically described in connection with the present embodiment, thesame may correspond with that of the preceding embodiment.

Referring now to the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figures 10, 11 and 12, there is shown a nest of springs l comprising an elliptic spring 2 and three single coil helical springs 3 disposed on either side of said elliptic spring, all of said springs being mounted between an upper spring plate 4 and a lower spring plate 5 and adapted, like the previous embodiments, for insertion in the bolster opening of a railway ve- In the drawings, the elliptic spring is shown compressed until the top plate touches the coil or helical springs'3 and for that reason, the connecting bolts l3 are shown in place with a considerable amount of slack in order to allow for expansion of the elliptic spring to its free height when removed from the side frame. 1

In the present embodiment, the plates 4 and 5 are generally H-shaped in plan and shown of cast, rather than pressed, construction, as in 0 the preceding embodiments, and centering plugs or collars I5 are provided sufiiciently long so that the helical springs will not slip out when the elliptic spring is free.

Provision for compression of the nest of springs 5 Without buckling the retaining bolts I3 is, in the present instance, made by the upstanding embossments 29 which receive the lower ends of said bolts and also function for centering the intermediate helical springs 3, said embossments being suflicient in vertical height to not only allow the elliptic spring to expand to its free height, but also to, allow full compression of the nest of springs without the lower end of the bolt tending to pass beyond the lower surface of thebottom 7-5- spring plate 5. In the present instance, I-have shown the upper spring plate 4 formed with centering plugs 16 adapted to engage in corresponding pockets in the associated bolster and the lower plate 5 maybe formedwith corresponding plugs, if desired, or the spring-supporting portion ofthe frame, or spring plankif used, may be formed'with plugs.- which center the nest of springs by engaging in-thepocketsfill provided by the upwardly embossed portions, of the lower plate 59. Except as specifically described in connection with the present embodiment, the same may be used as the embodi'ment of Figures 5 to 9, inclusive, andlike-said previous embodiment, it is especially'ada'pted for use .with a conventional frame.

Referring now to the embodiment of my in ventionillustrated in'Figures: 13', 14 and 15, there isshowh a nest of springs l comprising an elliptic spring 2 anda' pair of singlecoil helical springstl disposedon either side thereof, and all of said springs mounted between interchange able pressed metal upper and lower spring plates 4! and 5 respectively which'are generally H shaped in plan.

, As inthe embodiment offigures 1 toijinextend toward one another and serve to hold the,

plates and elliptic spring in proper relationship. The flanges 3| which lie adjacent the sides of the bands 9 which extend transverse to the plates 8 of the elliptic spring are desirably .of a height corresponding with the thickness of the material forming the bands, so that the upper and lower surfaces of the upper and lower plates, respectively, are normally disposed flush with the corresponding surfaces of the bands was will be clear from a consideration of Figure 13.

For centering the helical springs 3 the usual collars Hi are desirably provided. As in the first embodiment, the spring plates are desirably properly centered with respect to the bolster and associated side frame or spring plank, if used, I

by plugs I6 which, in the present embodiment,

are pressed therefrom as in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, inclusive.

In the present embodiment, the nest of springs may either be handled as a unit and inserted in place in the bolster opening of a side frame, or it may be built .up in said bolster opening by first applying the lower spring plate 5 then inserting the springs in place thereon, and finally.

applying the upper spring plate 4 The positioning of the nest of springs of the present embodiment in the bolster opening of a side frame will correspond with that of the first embodiment. It will also be understood that although the nest of springs disclosed is particularly adapted'for use with a double truss side frame, it may also be used with a conventional frame when the.

corrugations ll do not function for interlocking thesnest in-place, 'suclr interlock. being provided by, the-plugslli 1 From the foregoing disclosure, taken in con neetion with the accompanying-drawings, it will be seen that I have devised various forms of spring nests-adapted for handling. as self -contained units-for insertionin or removal from the bolsteropeningr of a railwayvehicleside frame, said units involving mounting plates which-are particularly adapted for properly spacing a com- Initiation-of springs involving both helical and elliptical or plate springs." It-wil -l alsobe seen that the free height of" the-elliptic spring may correspond with or be different from that of the 'associat'ed helical springs.

Although preferredembodiments of my inventi'on have been disclosed, it Will'be understood that rnodificationsv may-be made withi nthe spirit-and scope or the appended claims.

r olai-rn:

spring nest, adapted for handling as a self-contained unit for insertion in the bolster opening' oi a railway vehicle side frame for the support of a. bolster, comprising upper and lower spri-ng pl'ates formedto. respectivelyinterlook with associated bolster and frame, and with both helical- ;andellipticsprings therebetween, saidplates/for that 'pu-rposa 'having" portions extending towardone another around the bands.

or said elliptic spring for holding place.

2. A-- spring nest adapted for insertion in thebols'ter 1 opening of -a railway vehicle side frame and comprisingian elliptic spring and helical springs disposed oneither side thereof, said helical -springs -on eithersid'e'of sa-id elliptic spring having individual upperandlower spring plates, the adjacent edges of the upper spring plates and those of the lower spring plates being notched to interlock with the spring bands of said elliptic springs, and normally vertical bolts connecting the upper and lower spring plates on either side of said elliptic springs.

3. A spring nest comprising a lower spring plate, helical and elliptic springs seated thereon, said elliptic spring being disposed between said helical springs, said elliptic spring having a free heig'ht greater than the helical springs and provided with an individual upper plate, and individual upper helical spring plates lying on either side of said elliptic spring plate normally engaging the upper surfaces of downwardly ofiset portions thereof and connected-t0 the lower spring plate. i a

4. A spring nest comprising a lower spring plate, an elliptic spring and helical springs disposed on opposite sides thereof seated on said plate, an individual upper spring plate interlocking with said elliptic spring, and individual spring plates lying on either side of said elliptic spring and seated on the helical springs, said upper elliptic spring plate having ears normally underlying the upper helical spring plates, said ears, registering portions of said upper helicalspring plates, and the registering portions'of the lower plate being apertured, and connecting bolts disposed in said apertures.

5. A spring nest comprising interchangeable upper and lower pressed metal spring plates, an

' elliptic spring with a plurality of helical springs disposed on either side thereof and all lying between said spring plates, said plates having rectangular apertures receiving corresponding portions of the bands of said elliptic spring, a pair of sides of the aperture in each plate being defined by fianges extending toward the other plate and of av depth corresponding with the thickness of material of the spring band so that theouter surfaces of the plates normally lie flush with the corresponding surfaces of the spring bands when the parts are assembled. v v

6. A spring nest comprising spaced upper and lower spring caps, helical, springs and an elliptic Spring interposedbetween said caps, one-of said caps being formed of counterpart'plates each of which comprises a fiatsheet provided with a rectangular openingand an edge thereof folded tobisect said opening, thereby forming a notch for engaging the spring band of the elliptic spring.

'7. A spring nest comprising a lower spring plate, helical and elliptic springs seated thereon, said elliptic spring provided with an individual upper plate having portions thereof extending outwardly of the ellipticspring and individual upper helical spring plates superimposed on the outwardly extending portions of said elliptic springrplate and connected to the lower spring plate. p

8. A. spring nest comprising upper and-lower spring plates generally H-shaped in plan, helical andellipt-ic springs disposedbetween said plates, said elliptic springbeing interposed between the helical springs and having the longitudinal axis thereof extending parallel toa plane, passing through the centers of some of the helical springs, said plates being provided with positioning means formed on the cross piece of said H adapted to engage the spring band of the elliptic spring and a plurality of embossments and collars formed on said plates extending within said helical springs, and means extending through said embossments connecting said plates.

9. In a spring assemblycomprising upper and lower spring caps, helical springs, and an elliptic spring disposed between said caps, the upper of said caps being H-shaped in plan and provided with formations thereon for centering the helical springs and for engaging a top spring band of the elliptic spring, and a lower spring band of the elliptic spring having a bearing surface coplanar with an outer bearing surface of the lower spring cap. V

10. A spring nest comprising spaced upper and lower spring caps, helical springs, and an elliptic spring interposed between said caps, one of said caps. being formed of a plate comprising a flat sheet provided with arectangular opening, and opposing edges thereof folded to bisect said opening, thereby forming notches for engaging. a spring band of the elliptic spring, said folded portions bearing against a leaf of said elliptic spring.

11. A spring cap comprising oppositely disposed spring plates, each-having a rectangular opening adapted to receive the: spring band of an elliptic springthe adjacent. edges of said plates being folded to bisect said opening, and projections on the outer surfaces of said plates for locking said spring cap in position in a bolster opening,

12. A spring cap for agroup of helical and elliptic springs comprising a plurality of helical and elliptic spring-plates, the elliptic spring plate having a rectangular opening therein the edges of which interlock with a spring band of the elliptic spring, said ellipticspring plate having extensions at opposed ends thereof normally engaging the helical spring plates.

' 1 DONALD sf BARROWS. 

